hiking and trails in Park County Colorado.

The Mosquito Range, from Weston Peak to Mosquito Peak

Buffalo Peaks, from Salt Creek Road

Gemini Peak, Mount Sherman and Dyer Mountain

Black Mountain

Alma and South Park from Windy Ridge

Hiking in Park County Colorado

This web site contains a collection of stories about hiking trips I have taken in and near Park County, Colorado, The hikes range from easy riverside strolls to tough high-country bushwhacks. I hope you enjoy the pictures and stories even half as much as I enjoyed the hikes, and that you’re encouraged to take your own. Park County is a beautiful place, and there are endless hikes to take.
See you in the alpenglow!
John D. Rankin

Hiking Pix from around Park County

What you need to know to hike Park County, Colorado!

If you can walk, you can hike. Hiking is just like walking, except you do it with a good deal more of mindfulness and you do it out in the wilderness. You soak in the sounds and the scenery of nature while you get yourself into better shape at a pace and at a level of difficulty of your own choosing. Out here in Park County, right at the heart of the Rockies, hiking is an important part of our way of life. And here on this site, I will be sharing some stories about my own hikes, ranging from the easy riverside strolls to those tough high-country bushwhacks. I hope you enjoy the pictures and stories even half as much as I enjoyed the hikes, and that you’re encouraged to take your own.

Once you do decide to join me in my outdoor treks across Park County, here are a few friendly reminders to help you get started, especially if you are still a newbie to hiking:

Make a Plan and Stick to it

Spontaneity is fine but out there in the open, in an area known for its rugged terrain and extreme weather, it may be unwise to wander about aimlessly and unprepared. If this is your first time, better start slow. Don’t set yourself up immediately for an eight-hour climb. Remember that you can always come back for more some other day. Pick a trail that has already been mapped and tell others where you intend to go. In case you get lost in the woods, at least they know where to start looking for you. Also decide how long you intend to be gone. Do you intend to hike for just a couple of hours or do you plan to have an overnight trip to the great outdoors? Tell others so they will know when they should start looking for you in case you don’t get back.

Dress Sensibly and Comfortably

For your Park County hike, you’ll need a sturdy pair of hiking boots or walking shoes for off-road terrain. Make sure you break them in gradually by wearing them around for some time before you actually take to the road. Put on a good pair of socks to protect your feet from blisters. Here at the Rockies, it’s better to wear too much than too little. You’ll want to wear or carry clothes that will protect you from rain, winds, and a sudden drop in temperature. Dress yourself in several thin layers which you can strip off when it gets too warm and put back on when it gets too cold. Use a soft material that absorbs sweat for the layer next to your skin and a light windbreaker for your outer layer. Even if it doesn’t look like rain, it’s best to come equipped with rain gear like a large, folding poncho for protection. Wear a hat, preferably one with a wide brim, to protect your face and your neck from the sun.

Bring a Backpack of Essentials

Even if you’d be out for just a couple of hours, it may be a good idea to pack in some spare clothing, a fully-charged cell phone (keeping in mind that there isn’t much coverage away from main highways), a GPS, a map of the area, sunglasses, a utility knife, a bottle or two of drinking water, enough food, some insect repellant, sunscreen lotion, a first aid kit, toilet paper, zip-lock plastic bags for your trash, maybe even a camera like myself as who knows, you might encounter something wonderful you’d want others to also see. If you plan to trek uphill, better bring along a sturdy rubber-tipped hiking staff.

Don’t Pollute

Don’t leave any trash behind. Leave no trace but your footprints behind. Remember, as hikers, we are only passing through. Respect the wildlife. Avoid changing the natural environment by resisting the urge to pick up things no matter how interesting. Be considerate to your fellow hikers.

Welcome. I’m John, and if you want to know more about hiking in Park County, you can always contact me

Snowshoe with Steve on January 4, 2009 Whiteside Campground: 39º28’54”N, 105º41’36”W, 8,905 feet Trails junction: 39º28’18”N, 105º43’7”W, 9,790 feet Snowshoe distance: 4.4 miles There’s always another trail to find, by talking to someone, or looking around as you’re driving down the road. I found the trail along Callahan Gulch by looking on a map where […]

Hike with Art and Sunday T. Dog on October 4, 2009 Rock Creek Trail Head on the Colorado Trail: 39º21’46”N, 105º41’16”W, 9,721 feet Lunch: 39º22’48”N,105º43’42”W, 9,979 feet Hiking distance: 5.9 miles The fall color season was short this year. All the folks came up the hill from Denver, clogging the roads and trails, but the […]

Hike with Cheryl and Sunday T. Dog on June 28,2009 Trailhead: 39º28’54”N, 105º41’36”W, 8,905 feet Left Trail: 39º28’5”N, 105º42’34”W, 9,702 feet Summit: 39º28’6”N,105º41’54”W, 10,220 feet Hiking distance: 5.0 milesThe summit of Webster Mountain is difficult to pick out, in spite of the fact that it’s close to U.S. 285. In fact, it’s harder to see […]

Hike with Pete on August 18, 2008 Lost Creek Trailhead: 39º17’4”N, 105º30’24”W, 9969 feet Stonework: 39º18’15”N, 105º30’52”W, 10,150 feet Hiking distance: 5.5 miles Pete and I again headed to Lost Park for a two-day campout, as we’d done in June. The days before had been rainy and wet, and much-needed moisture was pumped into Park […]

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THANKS, John Rankin

Local Ad Space

Per your request – local ad space is available on this website. In the right columns and footer area. I can also put your ad in post content if you’d like – 719-839-0811 – and/or try reaching me via email
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Park County Trails Calendar 2015

Price: $5.00Every year I make a calendar for friends and fellow hiking enthusiasts, using photos I have taken during my hikes in Park County. I'm making the 2015 calendar available in PDF form. I hope that in following years a printed version can be available.